Vole Control - Castor beans?

James Waddick wrote:
> Dear all;
> I am sorry I even brought up 'tree rats' (squirrels) and glad I
> didn't mention 'rats with hooves' (white tail deer) or 'flying rats'
> (Canadian Geese) which are all garden pests in this area.
>
> Instead I got wondering as I was harvesting a few pounds of castor
> bean seed. Can these be sprinkled around for voles and squirrels to
> nibble on? They are too big for birds and I can't imagine any domestic
> animals eating them. If they germinate (not likely here) they are
> obvious and can be pulled out easily.
>
> Could I just chuck a few down a vole run? Or might cats eat castor
> bean dying voles and also be harmed? any experience?
>
> Best Jim W.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I tried a half-dozen beans where tree rats gather; they nibbled but none
fell over. I suspect the ricin content of raw beans is insufficient
to harm anything, though I didn't chew on any myself...
-jrf
--
Jim Fisher
Vienna, Virginia USA
38.9 N 77.2 W
USDA Zone 7
Max. 105 F [40 C], Min. 5 F [-15 C]